Many grapes are made into raisins, used in local cooking, and Sicilian grapes also play a large role in creating dessert wines, which require a higher concentration of grapes and are consumed in smaller quantities. In fact, in the world of international wine, Sicily is renowned for the many outstanding dessert wines, such as the world-famous Marsala, Moscato di Pantelleria & Malvasia delle Lipari.
The traditional varieties cultivated on the island include: red grape varieties such as Nero d'Avola (today experiencing a significant renaissance in the market), Nerello Cappuccio and Mascalese, Carricante, Nocera, Perricone and Frappato; white grape varieties such as Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia, Malvasia delle Lipari and Zibibbo or Moscato. In addition to the traditional varieties listed above, today there are numerous non-traditional varieties grown on the island which include: red varieties such as Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; white varieties such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Muller Thurgau and Sauvignon blanc.
Bordeaux-style wine
Lacroix is a Superior Bordeaux produced by the merger of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is an elegant, velvety and fruity wine with a ruby red color.
The wine D'Istinto Syrah Caltrasi shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean and pleasing aromas which start with hints of black cherry and plum followed by aromas of blackberry, blueberry, violet, black pepper and hints of vanilla.
Nero d'Avola grapes are native to the island of Sicily and were used make this wine - in has a distinctively varietal aroma and has a very attractive red - violet colour with purple edges.
Merlot grapes from distinguished dry land sites have made a wine with a strong deep purple colour and lifted plum and spice aromas. The palate starts deep, with dark elegant and spicy flavours. Barrel fermentation has given dimension and texture to the dark cherry fruit and leads to a concentrated and persistent finish.
Dark and beautiful, this Sicilian 50-50% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend lavishes deep cherry fruit and layered earth and leather tones. It’s a ripe and round wine that definitely needs to be consumed with a hearty meal.
Pezat Blanc is a dry white Bordeaux produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes with the addition of Muscadelle which gives it an exotic note. It is a fresh and fruity wine with a refreshing finish.
Les Asteries was the first of Saint-Emilion's micro-cuvée wines and is produced from eighty-year-old vines that survived the devastating frost of 1956.
Chateau Teyssier is one of the best selling Grand Crus Saint Emilion. Produced from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes and aged in French oak, it is a rich, velvety and spicy wine.